Ben Black Mixed Media Painting

Item Details

A watercolor and ink painting on panel of a clown with crocuses by Ben Black (1922-2003). Depicted is a pensive clown seated on the leaves of a blooming crocus and a large butterfly perched on his tophat. Artist’s signature is to the lower left corner of the painting. Piece is presented as loose work without mat or frame.

Born in Boston, Black graduated Massachusetts College of Art in 1947 after serving in World War II. He began his career as an art director in one of Boston’s leading advertising firms, later leaving to create his own studio. Black became a leading American illustrator with his works featured in The New Yorker, Saturday Evening Post, Reader’s Digest, and more. Originally known for his clowns, Black created a limited edition series of plates for Royal Daulton as well as clown figures for Schmidt.

Condition

- minor wear to edges of panel; under drawing visible throughout painting.

Dimensions

Item #

18BOS004-041